Beginning in 2005, The African Queen and I enjoyed Section 320 at RFK Stadium. Our Washington Nationals and the Nats320 Blog came to life for us there. Since 2008-we've sat in Section 218 at Nationals Park, but our blog name has not changed. Our roots are in Nats320-and we will never forget those good times. But, as always, we will attempt to provide fun, information and commentary about Our Washington Nationals. All photos, unless otherwise attributed-COPYRIGHT Nats320--ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Picture Of The Day--Hondo!!

Yes, it's My Favorite Player Of All Time!! Frank Howard playing Winter Ball in The Dominican Republic. The Year--1959. The Month--December. Hondo was to become The National League Rookie of The Year in 1960 for The Los Angeles Dodgers. After receiving two World Series Rings for The Dodgers, Big Number 25 for LA was traded to DC for the 1965 Season and wore Number 9. When Hall of Famer Ted Williams' became Manager of The Senators in 1969, Hondo gave up his number to "Teddy Ballgame" and took Number 33 as his own.

Back on August 4th, 2007, while making a Promotional Appearance for Marker Mark Whiskey at The Pearson Liquor and Wine on Wisconsin Avenue NW, Frank was holding court before a raptured audience of about 30 or 40 Fans. If you were there, you will easily recall how friendly and downright enjoyable Howard was in telling stories. For three hours, Big Frank told story after story after story.

Few better than this one about playing Winter Ball in The Dominican Republic.

Question from Fan: "Hondo, did you ever play Winter Ball?"

Hondo: (Standing up and looking at every single person who had come to visit him that afternoon, and let me tell you he had EVERYONE's Attention) "I never had the best eyesight. I wore glasses. So, when I played Winter Ball in The Dominican (Republic)--the lights were so bad--it was like hitting in Braille!"

Everyone busting out laughing. Typical Frank Howard, making fun of himself. Notice-Hondo's not wearing glasses in the above photo.

Hondo! My favorite Senator! I became a fan in 69 so he was my fav! I've gotten his autograph a couple of times at NATS Fests and an appearance at the NOW Defunct MCI Sports Museum. He's a super guy! Too bad he's with the Yankee organization now. I'd like to see him here or in our farm system!